By SCWS Team
January 30, 2026 · 11 min read
You notice grit in your morning coffee, sediment collecting in your toilet tank, or your faucet aerators clogging constantly. Sand in your well water isn't just an inconvenience—it's a warning sign that something in your well system demands attention. Left unchecked, sand destroys pumps, clogs plumbing, and damages expensive appliances. Here's how to diagnose the problem and fix it for good.
Why Sand Appears in Well Water
Sand in well water doesn't happen randomly—it indicates a specific problem with your well system. Understanding the cause is essential for choosing the right solution.
1. Pump Positioned Too Low
One of the most common causes of sand in well water is a pump that has dropped or was installed too close to the bottom of the well. Over time:
- Sediment naturally accumulates at the well bottom
- The pump intake draws water from the sediment layer
- Sand gets sucked into the pump and pushed through your plumbing
- The problem often gets worse as more sediment accumulates
Signs this is your problem: Sand appeared gradually or after pump work; sand is worse when using high water volumes; well used to be fine for years.
2. Damaged or Deteriorated Well Screen
The well screen is a slotted or perforated section of casing that allows water in while keeping sand and gravel out. When screens fail:
- Corrosion: Metal screens corrode over time, creating holes larger than the original slots
- Physical damage: Screens can crack from ground movement or improper pump installation
- Clogged screens: Mineral buildup reduces flow, causing the pump to draw harder through damaged areas
- Wrong screen size: Original screen slots may have been too large for the formation
Signs this is your problem: Sudden increase in sand; sand particles are larger or more uniform in size; sand present regardless of water usage volume.
3. Oversized Pump Drawing Too Hard
A pump that's too powerful for the well creates excessive suction that can:
- Pull sand through properly sized screens
- Disturb the sand pack around the well
- Draw water faster than the formation can deliver it
- Create turbulence that keeps sediment suspended
Signs this is your problem: Sand problems started after pump replacement; pump is noticeably more powerful than before; pressure fluctuates significantly when pump runs.
4. Well Casing Deterioration
The steel well casing can develop holes or cracks over time, allowing sand from surrounding soil to enter:
- Rust and corrosion: Especially common in older wells (30+ years)
- Poor original construction: Inadequate casing depth or thickness
- Ground settling: Can crack or separate casing joints
- Acidic water: Accelerates metal corrosion
Signs this is your problem: Well is over 25 years old; sand accompanied by rust or discolored water; surface water contamination suspected.
5. Aquifer Changes and Depletion
Changes in the aquifer itself can introduce sand problems:
- Dropping water table: Pump now draws from a sandier zone
- Drought conditions: Reduced water levels expose different formations
- Nearby wells: Heavy pumping from neighbors can affect your aquifer
- Formation collapse: In severe cases, the aquifer structure can deteriorate
6. New Well Breaking In
Some sand is normal in newly drilled wells:
- Drilling disturbs natural sand layers
- Sand pack around screen needs to settle
- Fine particles need to flush out
- Usually clears up within 2-4 weeks of normal use
However: If sand persists beyond a month, there's likely a construction or sizing issue.
The Damage Sand Causes
Ignoring sand in your well water leads to expensive problems throughout your water system:
Pump Damage
Sand is extremely abrasive to well pump components:
- Worn impellers: Sand erodes the impeller blades, reducing pumping efficiency
- Damaged seals: Grit wears through mechanical seals
- Bearing failure: Sand contamination accelerates bearing wear
- Shortened lifespan: A pump pumping sand may fail in 3-5 years instead of 10-15
Plumbing and Fixture Damage
- Clogged faucet aerators (often the first noticeable sign)
- Worn valve seats in faucets and toilets
- Blocked showerheads
- Damaged washing machine inlet valves
- Dishwasher pump and spray arm problems
- Water heater sediment accumulation
Appliance Damage
- Water heater sediment buildup (reduces efficiency, shortens life)
- Washing machine damage (pump wear, valve clogging)
- Dishwasher malfunction
- Ice maker clogging
- Irrigation system blockages
Diagnosing the Sand Source
Before investing in solutions, identify the cause through these diagnostic steps:
Observe When Sand Appears
- Constant sand: Suggests screen or casing damage
- Sand after heavy use: May indicate pump position or aquifer issues
- Sand after pump cycles: Could be pump drawing from bottom
- Sand only initially: Possible line sediment or minor screen issue
Check Sand Characteristics
- Fine, uniform sand: Often from aquifer formation
- Coarse, mixed particles: May indicate screen failure or casing breach
- Sand with rust: Suggests casing corrosion
- Organic material mixed in: Possible surface water intrusion
Professional Well Inspection
For persistent sand problems, a professional inspection can pinpoint the cause:
- Camera inspection: Views inside the well to check screen, casing, and pump position
- Pump test: Measures flow rate and checks for sand production at different rates
- Well log review: Compares current conditions to original construction
- Water quality test: Identifies other issues that may accompany sand problems
💡 Cost-Saving Tip
A $200-$400 spin-down filter installed now can save you from a $1,500-$3,000 pump replacement later. Sand destroys pump impellers and bearings—filtration is cheap insurance.
Solutions for Sand in Well Water
The right solution depends on the cause and severity of your sand problem:
1. Centrifugal Sand Separators
The most effective first-line defense against sand, these devices use centrifugal force to separate sand from water before it enters your plumbing:
- How they work: Water enters tangentially, spins in a chamber, and sand drops to a collection area
- Effectiveness: Removes 90%+ of sand larger than 74 microns
- Maintenance: Periodic flushing of the collection chamber
- Cost: $200-$600 for residential units plus installation
- Best for: Heavy sand, protecting pump and plumbing
2. Spin-Down Sediment Filters
A screen-type filter that's easy to clean and maintain:
- How they work: Water passes through a mesh screen that catches particles
- Screen sizes: Available in 50, 100, 200, and 500 micron
- Cleaning: Simple flush valve at bottom; some auto-flush
- Cost: $50-$200 plus installation
- Best for: Light to moderate sand, DIY installation
3. Cartridge Sediment Filters
Replaceable filter cartridges in various micron ratings:
- Types: Pleated, wound string, spun polypropylene, melt-blown
- Ratings: 1 to 50 microns (lower = finer filtration)
- Replacement: Every 1-6 months depending on sand load
- Cost: $30-$100 for housing, $5-$30 per cartridge
- Best for: Fine sand after pre-filtration, polishing water
4. Multi-Stage Filtration Systems
For severe sand problems, combine multiple filtration methods:
- Stage 1: Centrifugal separator (removes large sand)
- Stage 2: Spin-down filter (catches medium particles)
- Stage 3: Cartridge filter (removes fine sediment)
- Benefits: Each stage extends the life of the next
- Cost: $400-$1,200 complete system
5. Pump Repositioning
If the pump is positioned too low:
- Professional pulls and repositions pump higher in the well
- Generally 10-20 feet above the bottom recommended
- May require new drop pipe or wiring
- Cost: $500-$1,500 depending on well depth
6. Well Rehabilitation
For wells with accumulated sediment or minor screen issues:
- Bailing: Removing accumulated sand and debris from well bottom
- Surging: Agitating the well to loosen and remove particles
- Airlifting: Using compressed air to remove sediment
- Chemical treatment: Dissolving mineral buildup on screens
- Cost: $1,000-$5,000 depending on methods needed
7. Screen Repair or Replacement
For damaged well screens:
- Liner installation inside damaged casing
- New screen installation (if accessible)
- Seal damaged sections
- May require partial re-drilling in severe cases
- Cost: $2,000-$8,000+ depending on damage
Choosing the Right Filtration System
Filtration Recommendations by Sand Severity
- Light sand (occasional grit): Spin-down filter or cartridge filter
- Moderate sand (noticeable in glass): Spin-down + cartridge combination
- Heavy sand (visible accumulation): Centrifugal separator + spin-down + cartridge
- Severe sand (constant problem): Address source + multi-stage filtration
Prevention and Maintenance
Filter Maintenance Schedule
- Spin-down filters: Flush weekly or when pressure drops
- Centrifugal separators: Flush monthly or per manufacturer
- Cartridge filters: Replace when pressure differential reaches 10-15 PSI
- Keep spare cartridges: Always have replacements on hand
Protecting Your Pump
If you can't immediately fix the sand source:
- Install a pump shroud to direct water flow
- Consider a sand-resistant pump design
- Install filtration as close to the wellhead as possible
- Avoid running pump dry (which stirs up sediment)
- Schedule annual pump inspections
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there suddenly sand in my well water?
Sudden sand in well water typically indicates a new problem: the pump may have dropped to the bottom of the well, the well screen may have developed a hole or crack, the pump may be oversized and drawing too powerfully, or the well casing has deteriorated allowing sand to enter. Less commonly, nearby construction or seismic activity can disturb sand layers.
Will sand damage my well pump?
Yes, sand is highly abrasive and will damage your well pump over time. Sand wears down impellers, seals, and bearings, reducing pump efficiency and lifespan. A pump in sandy conditions may fail in 3-5 years instead of the normal 10-15 years. Additionally, sand can damage appliances, clog fixtures, and wear out plumbing components.
What type of filter removes sand from well water?
Spin-down sediment filters and cartridge filters (5-20 micron) are most effective for sand removal. For heavy sand, a centrifugal sand separator is the best first-line defense. These devices use centrifugal force to separate sand before it reaches your plumbing. Combination systems with both a separator and cartridge filter provide the best protection.
Can a well with sand problems be fixed?
Yes, most sand problems can be fixed. Solutions depend on the cause: pump repositioning if too low, screen repair or replacement, well rehabilitation to remove accumulated sand, installing proper filtration, or in severe cases, re-drilling. A professional well inspection can identify the specific cause and most cost-effective solution.
Dealing with Sand in Your Well Water?
Don't let sand damage your pump and plumbing. We can diagnose the source of your sand problem, recommend the right filtration solution, and fix underlying well issues. Our technicians service wells throughout San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.